Chapter 438

Chapter 438: Testing Alexis

Surrender?

A small stir rippled through the stands for the third time.

Given Midi’s earlier displays of toughness and dominance, no one expected him to yield so easily.

Though he’d earned an invitation from the Death Scorpion family, he was still just a novice.

The Great Warrior of the Fire Lizard Tribe had openly challenged him—a perfect chance to prove his courage and cement his Status. He ought to seize this second Victory, yet here he was, backing down!

To retreat immediately after gaining qualification, transforming from a brave soul who defied the Death Scorpion family into a coward avoiding combat—wasn’t this an insult to the Death Scorpion’s martial arts master?

Many spectators leaned forward, anticipating another spectacle.

But Midi dismissed these petty judgments.

Killing Ulhan and standing firm against Simon had already proven his strength and courage. Repeating such displays would only breed suspicion, not respect.

Now part of the Death Scorpions, he needed to conceal his true power and avoid unnecessary enemies—for the family’s sake.

The Fire Lizard Tribe’s growth hinted at backing from major families.

This final match was meant to showcase talent and earn invitations. All Midi required now was an elegant exit.

Withdrawing after a hard-fought battle, acknowledged by his opponent? That was glory enough.

Yet Midi aimed for more.

“Mr. Risen, I know you crave a proper battle,” Midi said. “But let’s be honest—was Ulhan weak?”

Risen stiffened.

Midi had just survived a deathmatch against a Level 64 Battle Mage. Even Risen recognized Ulhan’s prowess.

Demanding another serious fight after that exhaustion was unfair. Worse, Midi wasn’t pleading fatigue—he conceded outright after their sparring.

To press further would shame Risen himself.

The Black Dragonkin clenched his jaw, speechless.

Noting Risen’s frustrated disappointment, Midi smiled faintly and added, “Still, I’ll warn you—don’t grow complacent. The coming battles will be bloodier than you imagine. Losing’s a real possibility.”

“Oh?” Risen’s eyes flashed like daggers.

No one dared taunt him about defeat to his face. Had he not glimpsed Midi’s cunning earlier, his temper might’ve erupted.

“I’m strong, yes,” Midi continued lightly, “but in the Wolfspider tribe, I’m no Great Warrior. That title belongs to Alexis—your next opponent.”

“Alexis?” Risen’s gaze snapped to the dark elf with twin daggers across the arena.

Beneath his fiery demeanor lay sharp caution. Alexis had dominated Group Three, crushing all challengers.

But Risen, a top-tier Warrior, dismissed this as luck—Alexis had faced no real threats like Uday or Ulhan.

First place in Group Three meant little. Would this duel-blade fighter survive three strikes from Risen’s axe? Doubtful.

After all, the disparity in physical attributes between both sides was clear.

Midi, with Dragon’s Blood flowing through his veins, now claimed Alexis was the real expert. This naturally made Risen suspicious.

"Giving the Great Warrior title to others? Just playing low-profile?" Risen spoke loudly, uncaring if Alexis overheard.

"That’s part of it, but mainly because the Great Warrior’s a true expert," Midi answered plainly. "I’m not brushing you off, Risen. You’ll taste real battle soon enough. Stay sharp."

"Hmph! Don’t lecture me!" Risen waved dismissively, begrudgingly accepting Midi’s withdrawal.

The first semifinal ended quietly, leaving only sword scars and blade marks from their restrained sparring.

In the stands, the martial arts master approved Midi’s tactical retreat – exactly as Midi predicted. Had Midi stubbornly chased the "champion" title, the Death Scorpion family wouldn’t have invited him. Only those knowing when to advance or retreat, keeping their true goals in mind, earned such invitations.

But Midi went further. He’d laid groundwork for future battles. Originally facing three group champions – Ulhan, Risen, Alexis – his path seemed hardest. Yet now he’d defeated Ulhan spectacularly, earned Death Scorpion’s invitation, gained Risen’s respect, and nudged the Black Dragonkin to test Alexis.

Or rather, to let Risen and Alexis probe each other. Whoever won would reveal weaknesses for Midi to exploit in Mososbury City’s Fighter Selection. This reversal wasn’t just "good at scheming." His understanding of human nature, battle situations, and long-term planning reached masterful levels.

What would this Midi Asreks do against Death Scorpion’s real geniuses? The martial arts master found himself anticipating it.

As the second semifinal began, Midi and Alexis paused when passing each other.

"Think sending Risen against me works?" Alexis sneered.

"You wanted opportunities. Here’s yours." Midi’s calm face revealed nothing.

"Whatever. Soon you’ll see no schemes beat pure strength." Alexis strode past. "I’ll teach you through Risen the Black Dragonkin."

Alexis’ second match showed terrifying speed. His curved blade took his opponent’s head before surrender. Previous victories drew little notice against weak foes, but this extreme speed made families stir. Such speed ranked top even in Mososbury City. Many assumed this was Alexis’ trump card – speed versus Risen’s power and defense. While speed held disadvantages, one slip could overturn the battle.

After Death Scorpion’s invitation, anticipation grew for the final match.

Midi also waited eagerly – but not for speed versus strength. He knew Alexis’ speed display served dual purposes: provoking Risen while hiding his true power. A psychic user’s real weapon was mind-related abilities.

Yet Risen posed a problem. The Black Dragonkin’s thicker Dragon Power granted stronger Dragon’s Might – crude mental attacks compared to organized psychic abilities, but excellent psychic energy defense. Midi estimated Risen’s mental defenses matched mid-level Thought Capturers from the Sea of Clouds. Worse, rage or desperation might boost them further.

How would Alexis handle this natural Thought Capturer? Midi burned to find out.